Why Veterans Are Joining MVP...

Veterans share their thoughts on why they decided to participate in the Million Veteran Program.

"Knowing that I would be helping other GI's is the reason I am part of the Million Veteran Program."

Mons S. Sjaastad
U.S. Army
Korean War Era
VA Connecticut Healthcare System

"The Million Veteran Program provides a unique opportunity for me to contribute to an effort that will help my fellow Veterans by increasing the medical knowledge that may eventually lead to better treatments, and preventative measures, for many different diseases."

"I have always known someone in the family with Diabetes or Hypertension. I eagerly volunteered to participate in MVP so I can help medical researchers better understand how genes influence diseases. One blood draw is all it took...yet the potential to contribute to scientific discoveries is enormous!"

"MVP is a significant research for Veterans and all people who want to improve diagnoses and treatments of illnesses."

Catherine Gartner
U.S. Air Force
Post-Vietnam/Post-Gulf War
VA Palo Alto Health Care System

"As a fellow Veteran, I believe it is important to give back to the veteran community in ways (like MVP) that will provide additional resources and awareness... Thus, enhance meeting the needs of our nation's former and current service men and women."

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MVP Genomics project would be very beneficial to Veterans' healthcare. By joining, it is my way of thanking my fellow Vets for their service and patriotism. This also gives me another opportunity to serve the nation again..."

Arnold Macabugao
U.S. Navy
Gulf War
VA Palo Alto Health Care System

"
When I was young, the service gave me a reason. Today, my reason is to help answer those questions yet to be asked..."

Pamela A. Foltz
U.S. Air Force
December 1985 - October 1989
South Texas Veteran Health Care System

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In this age of scientific enlightenment, research is pushing beyond the boundaries of discovery. The goal of the Million Veteran Program is to be on the forefront of research and medicine by ushering VA Healthcare into a new age. Veterans volunteering in this scientific program now will leave their legacy by improving the healthcare of their children, grandchildren and all of those serving after us.
"

Dennis Bryan
U.S. Army
September 1987 - December 1990
South Texas Veteran Health Care System

"I believe that the data collected from me and other Veterans in the Million Veterans Program (MVP) will someday provide better ways to diagnose and treat patients. I volunteered to participate in the MVP because I want to do my part to make this a reality one day."

Mario A. Garza
U.S. Navy
January 1985 - January 1990
South Texas Veteran Health Care System

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive how the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation. - George Washington "

James Crill
U.S. Air Force
June 1964 - March 1968
South Texas Veteran Health Care System

"Veterans Helping Veterans."

Alexander Bundrick
U.S. Army
July 1997 to July 2000
South Texas Veteran Health Care System

"I feel great about participating in this research program and helping other fellow Veterans...It's a good thing and I am glad to help. "

"I received a pamphlet about the Million Veteran Program from the Lufkin VA clinic and decided to participate in the study because I thought it might be beneficial to other Veterans.. The more informed the doctors are, the better they can do their job. I didn't know much about VA research before. I was surprised to learn VA invented the cardiac pacemaker and performed the first liver transplant. With this study, I think understanding the genetic makeup will have a positive impact on reducing side effects from certain medications.
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"My primary care doc told me about the Million Veteran Program and I decided to get involved because I think the program will help other Veterans. I especially think the younger troops coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan will benefit most from this research. It was easy; only a few minutes, gave one small tube of blood, and filled out a questionnaire. Amazing that something so simple can possibly lead to developing treatments for military-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and common medical illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.
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"I truly believe in being a model citizen, and my purpose of living is to make the world a little better before I pass away. Service in faith, to country, and to community is very important to me. I do not want the recognition or fame...I just believe in doing my part when I am able to.
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"I joined the Million Veteran Program because the Department of Veterans Affairs is the largest healthcare system in the nation that serves a select group of U.S. Citizens. The knowledge gained from participation in this study will improve the healthcare of Veterans and the nation for decades to come.
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Joseph Smith
Durham VA Medical Center

"This is just one more way that we can help our fellow Veterans.
"

Daniel Ocheltree
U.S. Army
1996-2001
Durham VA Medical Center

"The Million Veteran Program or MVP is a very vital program for all Veterans. It is a fact that research is the cornerstone to advancement and improvement especially in the medical field because it prolongs lives. I have served in four combat zones and I know that the wounds you can't see are more harmful than the wounds you can see. The wounds you can see can be diagnosed and treated. However, the wounds you can't see go undetected and become critical and in some cases even fatal. That's why the Million Veteran Program is so important and this is just one of the numerous ways the Veterans Administration continues to take care of the Veterans and make them feel like real MVPS!
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As a physician I am aware of the importance of collective data to guide and direct research and best practices for a wide variety of diseases. Veterans need to be encouraged to participate and be rewarded for their service to our country.
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Hirsch Handmaker, MD
U.S. Army
Vietnam
Phoenix VA Health Care System

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I volunteered to take part in this study to help past and future Veterans.
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Jacob Munsterman
U.S. Army
Iraq
Phoenix VA Health Care System

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To help other Veterans and their families through research and for a healthier nation for all."

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As a former member of the military medical community, I chose to participate in the Million Veteran Program. I have personally seen the results of similar types of research and the results that currently help save soldiers' lives. This is a valuable program that will greatly benefit future Veterans.
"

Adam Ferguson
U.S. Army & U.S. Air Force
Current U.S. Army Reservist
OEF/OIF
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital

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The increased medical knowledge obtained in the Million Veterans Program study will improve Veterans health and the quality of their lives. That's important to me, and I'm proud to be a part of that effort."

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Serving Veterans is something that is very important to me, and the Million Veteran Program allows me to do so in a way that will have significant impact on their health and wellbeing into the future. It's a special opportunity and I'm happy to be a part of it." Â Â Â

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I serve Veterans every day in my job, and MVP is another way I can honor their service. As a VA employee I know the importance of medical research, and as a Veteran I look forward to the benefits it will bring in the future."

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The MVP program helps me to help others by providing the research base doctors need to serve future Veterans, and that's pretty important to me."

Sonny Jenkins
Special Operations
1966-1978
Orlando VA Medical Center

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I trust and agree with the goals, concept and objectives of the Million Veteran Program. I decided to participate because I believe in Veterans helping Veterans and I love VA research."

Terenda Brown
U.S. Navy
1989-1997
Washington DC VA Medical Center

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When my wife passed away, I thank God for helping me through my difficulty. This was my way of thanking him. To my fellow Vets: I always said if I could help another Vet, I would. Time to put up or shut up. Go U.S. Army."

Michael Russell
U.S. Army
1976-1979
VA Long Beach Healthcare System

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Today's reach will enhance better health in the future."

John H. Manley
U.S. Army
Vietnam
VA Long Beach Healthcare System

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Because I think it would help other people. The VA has helped me discover and treat my HCV. I want to give back to the VA and the other patients VA cares for."

William Baker
U.S. Navy
Vietnam
VA Long Beach Healthcare System

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I am participating in MVP to help the VA provide better healthcare to our Veterans."

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MVP provides Veterans with another opportunity to serve. There is a sense of pride and camaraderie among Veterans and having the opportunity to be a part of such a worthwhile project (like MVP) that will ultimate enhance Veterans' medical services is an opportunity I could not pass up. I would encourage all Veterans to participate."

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I wanted to participate in the Million Veterans Program to be a part of helping to better understand the mistakes of the past for the service of veterans and to improve the care of our veterans both now and in the future. Being a veteran myself it is imperative to me that this research is done. US Veterans are some of the most traveled people in the world and come into contact with many things that most civilian citizens do not. It is paramount that every effort is made to better understand those sicknesses, illnesses, and infirmities so that we can have healthy troops and citizens abroad. I did not want to miss the opportunity to be a part of that."

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I considered joining the military a way I could give back to my country and community. So participating in the MVP Program is a way to continue to give back, which seems to be the right thing to do and I am happy to be of help."